Travel Guides

Gateway Arch

Within the riverside park known as the Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch is a soaring landmark above
the city's skyline - the thin stainless steel arc
reaches to twice the height of the Statue of Liberty, at 630 feet
(192m) tall. It symbolises the role of St Louis as the 'Gateway to
the West' for the pioneers who journeyed along the Oregon and Santa
Fe Trails towards the Western frontier. It is also dedicated to the
US president who was responsible for opening up the West. An
observation deck that is reached by a tram system provides
magnificent views over the city, the Mississippi and the spreading
plains. Also on the site with the Arch is the Old Courthouse Museum
that was the venue for the hearing of several momentous cases
during the 19th century. At the base of the monument is the
excellent Museum of Westward Expansion with exhibits covering
exploration of the West and its honoured pioneers, including Lewis
and Clark, the Plains Indians and buffalo soldiers. The Odyssey
IMAX Theatre shows big-screen films about the region and its
history.